Ultimately: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in formal and academic contexts to indicate the final result or fundamental reason after considering all possibilities.

• Ultimately, the success of the project depends on teamwork and communication.
• The decision was important, but ultimately it was up to the CEO.

Common in both written and spoken English to indicate that something happens after a long time or at the end of a series of events.

• After weeks of preparation, the conference finally started.
• She finally decided to accept the job offer.

Also common in spoken and written English, often used to summarize or conclude a narrative or series of events.

• In the end, it all worked out for the best.
• He tried several methods, but in the end, he went back to the original plan.

Used in informal or conversational settings to express relief or satisfaction after a long wait or delay.

• After hours of waiting, the doctor called my name at last.
• At last, we have reached our destination.

Use when discussing the final outcome or conclusion after considering different factors or stages.

• Ultimately, it is your decision whether to accept the job offer or not.
• The team worked hard and ultimately won the championship.

Use when discussing the basic structure or underlying principles of something, often to highlight critical aspects that influence everything else.

• The two theories are fundamentally different in their approach.
• She believes that education is fundamentally important for societal progress.

Use to simplify or summarize a complex situation in the most straightforward manner, often used in informal speech.

• Basically, he just wants everyone to get along and work together.
• The instructions were basically telling us to restart the machine.

Use to describe the most important aspect or true nature of something, emphasizing its core characteristics.

• Essentially, this policy aims to improve customer satisfaction.
• The book is essentially about overcoming life's challenges.